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Chapter 15:
FREEDOM
Notes: I'm dedicating this chapter to my uncle, who passed away on the 21st of August. I pushed this chapter out as fast as possible since I will be out of town for a couple of days :). Been struggling at the ending, to make it feel right. I still am not sure if it's the way I want it... but I'm mostly happy with it :). Hope you'll enjoy ^^.
Last time on Consumed by the past:
Endou, Kyuuri and Gohan visit Wanasa Prime to obtain the much needed crystal fragments for replenishing the Staff. Thanks to Gohan's awesome power, the defenses are breached and fragments stolen. Upon arriving back to the fortress in the "Demon" realm, Endou's power reaches its limit, freeing Gohan from her mind-controlling grasp. Thanks to Kyuuri, she was able to distract him long enough for Koshi to replenish the Staff's energy giving Endou the opportunity to re-take Gohan's mind, turning him into her obedient ally once again. He then participated in an experiment which resulted in success but with some "additions." Gohan's power was augmented just like Endou hoped it would be, but something went wrong with the ritual, causing Gohan's tail to re-grow. What happened? What caused this? Stay tuned.
Gohan and Koshi entered another chamber where the master alchemist took a better look at him.
"Have you any idea what happened during the process?" he asked.
"You empowered me with some sort of energy... dark energy. I can feel it."
"Indeed. It's not just a power up, it's also the energy itself."
"It's... different."
"With it you'll be able to take out the Guardians and any potential threat that may show up."
"Finally, a worthy opponent. Those Wanasans and their soldiers were weak. And I'm most grateful you've restored my tail."
"That wasn't my intention, I'm afraid."
"Are you saying you didn't do this?" surprisingly asked Gohan.
"Of course not. Why would I do that? It serves no purpose in Endou's plan. It would be best to remove it. I don't want you accidentally turning into a great ape."
"You know about that?"
"Of course I do. I've done quite some research about you Saiyans and your abilities. It serves you no purpose now that you can transform into a Super Saiyan and beyond."
"NO! Don't you dare remove it!" the young half-breed almost shouted.
"Are you defying me and Endou-sama, young Gohan?"
"No... I'm not... but this is a part of my Saiyan heritage. I'm not losing it again."
"How was it cut off?" Koshi was confused.
"It doesn't matter. Just patch me up so I can rest, as Endou-sama commanded."
"My, my, don't let this new energy get into your head. Fine, I'll see what I can do."
Koshi managed to mix up an orange healing solution and covered Gohan's wounds to make them heal much faster. As the boy was leaving the chamber, he was covered with the orange solution, which got Endou's attention.
"I see Koshi has prepared the healing cream for you. You should be grateful. You're the third one he ever used it on."
"Thank you, master. I'm on my way to get some rest as you ordered." Gohan replied.
"What about your tail? I overheard Koshi saying it's best to remove it." Kyuuri joined the conversation.
"I told him not to."
"You're not here to make decisions on your own, but to obey!" Kyuuri raised her voice.
"Settle down, Kyuuri. I think it suits him just fine." Endou interrupted.
"But he can transform into a great ape."
"I'm well aware of what can happen. Luckily, there aren't any moons here nor where our master is being imprisoned. He's keeping his tail unless I say otherwise. Now both of you, leave me and Koshi alone. Gohan, exit through the left door and go up the stairs, your chamber is the first door on the right. Take a nap or whatever you do to rest."
"Yes, Endou-sama," both Gohan and Kyuuri said in a single voice and left the laboratory.
When they were gone, Endou and Koshi had a little talk.
"What have you found out?" Endou wanted to know.
"Not much. As I have already said, the procedure was a success with a minor surprise to say the least. How that happened, I'm unsure."
"And if you were to make a guess?"
"I'm certain I've done everything correct and haven't missed a vital information about him. I can't explain the tail. The empowerment ritual has no effect on body characteristics; only on one's hair color. It should have changed to purple but it somehow reverted back to golden-yellow."
"So the connection must be his hair color and the tail?"
"It seems his body somehow resisted the change to some extent. But that still doesn't explain how his tail grew back. When I told him the tail must go, he said he didn't want to lose his Saiyan heritage again."
"Isn't it fascinating? At the beginning he was a peaceful, innocent boy who was thrown into battles he did not want to fight. Even after so many near death skirmishes he never resorted to violence unless absolutely necessary. But since he's fight against that being Cell, he'll do just about anything to protect the ones he loves. Can't you see, Kyuuri... he's embracing his Saiyan nature now more than ever. It's what gives him the strength and willpower. The re-grown tail is just another trait that will remind him of his enormous potential."
"How do you know that, Endou-sama?"
"A "friend" in a very high place has provided me with quite some information on Gohan."
"Of course, I didn't want to..."
"No need to worry. You have done an outstanding job, Koshi. I want a portal to KB-0807 (1) to be up and running tomorrow morning. I have a feeling our guest will be sleeping all night." smiled Endou and exited the laboratory.
Koshi nodded and went to his chambers to get some relaxation of his own. Even Endou had enough for one "Demon" realm day, so she retreated to her own chambers for some meditation.
As Gohan was making his way up the stairs, he couldn't help grabbing his tail and examining it during walking.
"I've completely forgotten how it feels to the touch." he said to himself.
He finally reached his chamber and entered it, closing the, what it looked like, a sturdy wooden door. There was nothing inside besides a rectangular red frame which resembled a bed, just without the sheets and a pillow. But there was a weird-like "mattress" of some sort on the frame... it reminded him of gelatin. He wasn't feeling very tired so he just laid in bed, playing with his tail and thinking.
If I squeeze it too hard, it really hurts. That's something I need to work on. I can't let this be my weakness. Endou-sama has given me all this power... I can hardly wait to use it against those... hmmm, what Koshi called them... Guardians. Finally someone I can use my full power on... unlike against Vegeta or dad or anyone else on Earth. Weaklings... and to think Piccolo didn't want me to come here. They were all holding me back... they were afraid of my power.
He started stroking his tail which, surprisingly, felt really relaxing. Different memories from his early years rushed into his mind that reminded him how Goku used to do that to calm him down when he was either afraid or when he couldn't sleep.
Even though he was under Endou's control some of the memories suddenly became very vivid. He had a flashback of his fight against Recoome and Frieza. And seconds later one against Cell. But as fast as they had appeared. they disappeared. Maybe his mind was playing tricks on him... he did just undergo a very painful and intense ritual. Or maybe he was more exhausted than he thought. Well, only a few minutes later his eyes closed and he stopped stroking his tail as he had fallen asleep. Endou sensed Gohan had gone to sleep as she had a strong telepathic link with him. Luckily, Saiyans and humans need quite a few hours of sleep per night, while she only needed one or two and even that in a form of a deep meditative state.
Gohan slept for about 8 or 9 hours until his empty stomach woke him up, typical. He got up all grumpy because he hadn't eaten what is seemed like days. As he was making his way down the stairs, his stomach growled.
"I'm so hungry. Do you people ever eat?" he asked Koshi immediately upon entering his laboratory.
"Of course we do, but unlike you, we don't sleep for ages. Go back where you came from and take the door on the left. It's what you people on Earth call a dining room."
The boy did just that but when he entered the room, there was only a jar of yellow liquid on the table.
"Where's the food? A glass of juice just won't cut it." he ranted.
"Good morning to you too, my boy." Endou greeted him. "And it's not juice, it's everything your body needs to function."
"But... master... I'm starving."
"I know you're used to rice, ramen, chicken and so on, but we're not on Earth. Your body needs fuel in sort of speaking and this jar is full of it. Now drink; I don't want you to lose consciousness because of starvation in the middle of a battle."
Gohan hesitated but Endou's words were law. He picked up the jar and emptied it in a matter of seconds.
"Yuck... that was horrible." he frowned with his tongue sticking out of his mouth.
"You ungrateful little..." reacted Endou as her eyes glowed purple.
The half-breed felt an intense pain in his head; his punishment for being arrogant. As he fell on one knee, Endou kneeled in front of him.
"I've had it with your arrogance. You may be the strongest here, but you're under my control."
"Ugh... I-I understand, master." Gohan answered in pain.
"I don't think you do. Remember this pain... you'll be experiencing it whenever you show disrespect."
"I will obey, Endou-sama."
"That's better." she said with a smirk on her face.
The pain in Gohan's head stopped and he was able to stand up. His expression was clearly showing anger but at the same time some fear too. He certainly didn't want to experience that pain again.
"You'll be able to use that anger against your opponents very soon. Follow me." ordered Endou.
They both made their way to Koshi's laboratory where Kyuuri was already waiting. As soon as she had noticed Gohan being quiet, she mocked him.
"I see Endou-sama has put you in your place."
"Not now, Kyuuri. I'm not in the mood for your games with him." Endou cut her off.
Gohan didn't say anything, but more anger and frustration could be seen from his expression. Kyuuri noticed that and smiled; she enjoyed every second of it.
"Is the portal up and running, Koshi?"
"Yes, Endou-sama. Everything is ready and prepared. I surely hope the boy is too." answered the master alchemist.
"He'll do his part, won't you, Gohan?"
"Yes, master." was all he said.
"Your task is very simple... defeat the Guardians and anyone or anything that crosses your path. Just end it quickly this time. If not, you know what's going to happen."
"Fear not, Endou-sama, nothing will stand in my way."
"But Endou-sama, what about the other obstacles like the energy field?" Koshi wanted to know.
"Do not worry about that. Everything has been arranged. Once Gohan is done with the Guardians, our victory will be assured." Endou said with optimism.
They spent the next few minutes discussing their plan and strategy but it was pretty straightforward. Time was crucial so they couldn't afford to be slow. The moment they'll attack the Guardians, the Kaioshins will be alerted and most probably send an investigation team. Luckily, Endou had a solution for that, thanks to a friend.
Finally it was time for departure and all 4 exited the fortress and headed towards the portal.
"Remember, let Gohan do his part and then my "friend" will take care of everything else." Endou reminded them all.
They stepped into the portal and exited on planet KB-0807, where lord Shingo was imprisoned. The moment they set foot on the planet, a masked figure was waiting for them. It was wearing a brown mask and black suit, just like on Wanasa Prime.
"We finally meet again, Endou." the figure spoke.
"The circumstances couldn't be better, friend." smiled back Endou.
Gohan was stunned, as was Kyuuri. The mysterious stranger removed his mask, revealing a blue skin and white eyebrows. Upon ditching the black suit, a dark red attire could be seen, white hair and round green rings on each pointy ear.
"A Kaioshin!" Koshi and Kyuuri almost shouted, kneeling immediately.
"Soon a former Kaioshin." he smiled back.
Gohan didn't know what to think as he had never heard of a Kaioshin, just Kaio-sama.
"Why aren't you showing respect, Gohan?" Endou noticed.
"No need to be so formal, Endou." the Kaioshin interrupted and turned to Gohan.
"Ah yes, I remember you, Gohan. I've been occasionally following your progress and I must say your power has grown so much over the past year. I can't imagine how powerful you are know that Endou has given you her little gift. And I see you have your tail back; how fascinating."
"You've been watching me? Why didn't you help when my dad died for nothing?" Gohan asked, suddenly clearly remembering that event.
"How dare you..." Endou got mad.
"Now, now, Endou. The boy has the right to know. It is a valid question." the Kaioshin replied.
"You see, Gohan, a Kaioshin's duties are to create and not interfere with creations. Events need to unfold by themselves. In extreme situations we can provide some sort of guidance."
The boy remained silent as he didn't want to upset Endou even more. He wasn't satisfied with the answer he received.
"Excuse me, Kaioshin-sama, but weren't you on Wanasa Prime, too?" Kyuuri asked.
"Yes I was. Being one of Koshi's associates was a perfect cover; no one suspected a thing. Even he didn't know I am a Kaioshin and that suited me perfectly."
"Indeed. We had to keep it a secret; the fewer people knew, the better. Are you prepared to do your part?" Endou continued.
"Of course, as long as you keep your end of the deal. Double-crossing a Kaioshin wouldn't be wise."
"You have my word like always." Endou reassured him.
"Very well, let's get started, time is of the essence."
The Kaioshin waved his arms and started chanting in his language. The sky suddenly flashed white for a split second.
"There, we only have a short time before the barrier disappears. As long as my spell is active, it will make the Kaioshins believe that nothing is happening here, giving us the opportunity to free your master and escape long before they find out what has happened."
"You never cease to amaze me, my friend." Endou smiled and added: "Now hurry up, Gohan."
The Kaioshin explained: "Just over this ridge is the hidden entrance. The Guardians are everywhere. When you defeat them, I'll come and open the entrance. And watch out, they are powerful."
"Why can't you defeat them Kaioshin-sama?" the half-Saiyan asked politely.
"I do not possess that much power, young Gohan as I didn't create them, the much more powerful Kaioshins did. Now be quick and eliminate them." he offered his explanation.
Gohan obeyed them both and flew to where the entrance is supposed to be. When his feet touched the ground, a couple of Guardians already converged on his position. They were tall and broad but didn't look human; more like a hybrid between a human and a magic elemental. Each of them looked alike; like perfect copies. They wore no armor, just clothes that resembled a Kaioshin's formal attire. One of them actually spoke.
"This planet is under the Kaioshin Protectorate and you are hereby trespassing. Please leave now or you will be removed by force."
They boy remained quiet and transformed into a Super Saiyan and engaged the talking Guardian who dodged the attack but remained stationary.
"Please leave or force will be required." he repeated.
"Wow, they're fast." the boy said to himself and attacked again.
The Guardian dodged and grabbed Gohan's neck; firmly gripping him while the boy struggled to get free.
"You will be removed from this planet. Please do not resist." the Guardian repeated, again.
Gohan knew he didn't have much time to deal with the Guardians, nor the strength to be honest. At least not in his current form. He clenched his fists and let out a shout, transforming into a Super Saiyan 2 almost instantly. He broke free from the Guardian's grasp and kicked it in the abdomen, sending it flying away. The other ones reacted by attacking the boy; 3 rushed to him at the same time. He managed to dodge the first one and kick it away; the second one punched him but the boy blocked it with his hand. He formed a Ki blast in his hand and slammed it in his opponents face, smashing it to the ground. The last Guardian managed to hit Gohan in the face, which sent him flying back but he managed to stop in mid air.
They're power is unbelievable. Just with one punch it knocked me so far.
He didn't have time to think as more Guardians attacked him. 3 against one was difficult for him to handle as they proved to be on par with his power but the half-Saiyan managed to hold his ground. A fierce battle was taking place not far from the hidden entrance but Endou and the Kaioshin were not impressed.
"He's not using his full strength, Endou."
"He will now. Watch and be amazed."
Use your full power, I command you! Crush the Guardians! Gohan heard her voice in his head.
Gohan widely opened his eyes and his purple aura flared around him. The Guardians attacked him at the same moment but were stopped by an energy barrier around Gohan.
"AAAAAAAAA!" the half-breed started screaming.
His pupils disappeared and he tensed his muscles as he was powering up. The whole planet was shaking and the ground beneath him started cracking. The energy barrier kept his attackers away from him while he pushed all of his power out as Endou had commanded. The lightning in his purple aura occasionally struck the ground, leaving behind a burnt trail.
"T-That's impossible!" the Kaioshin was shocked.
"Are you impressed?" Endou smiled.
"It's perfect." said the Kaioshin with a smirk on his face.
Meanwhile Gohan had reached his maximum power and unleashed his fury on the Guardians. His left fist slammed through the first Guardian, making it blow up into a magic dust. The others attacked but the boy's power was too much and they all ended like the fist Guardian, leaving the entrance undefended.
"Now is our chance... quickly, follow me!" shouted the Kaioshin, rushing to the hidden entrance.
Once there, he swiped his hand just above the ground and the entrance appeared out of nowhere.
"I'll need a few seconds to open it. I must not be interrupted."
As he started the invocation to open the door, the Guardians re-assembled themselves; Gohan was not successful in completely defeating them.
"The Guardians are back. Hold them off, Gohan. Do whatever it takes!" Endou commanded.
The half-Saiyan obeyed and charged at them with full speed but as soon as he was about to attack them, they unleashed blue chains from their wrists which wrapped themselves around Gohan's arms, legs, torso and neck. The boy struggled to break free but the chains kept tightening their grip the more Gohan tried to break them. The good thing was that all Guardians were preoccupied with him... but the bad one was that the chains started cutting him; making small and narrow cuts in his body, causing Gohan to start bleeding.
"I've done it, the entrance is open. We must hurry, my spell will soon dissipate." the Kaioshin said while rushing down the stairs through the entrance.
"What about Gohan?" asked Koshi.
"He can take care of himself." replied Endou while following the Kaioshin.
Two Guardians noticed the entrance had been opened and wanted to recall their chains but Gohan had already broken free and positioned himself between them and the entrance. The chains had made quite a few cuts all over his body, but he could take a lot more beating.
"It'll take a lot more to beat me." he smiled as he was enjoying the battle.
Meanwhile the other party was making its way down the stairs which presumably led to lord Shingo's prison. The stairway was well lit and it seemed no one has disturbed this place for a long time as the stairway was full of cobwebs. After a short walk the stairs ended with a pitch-black straight corridor.
"You must wait for me here." warned the Kaioshin.
"And why is that, Kaioshin-sama?" Kyuuri replied.
"Only the Kaioshins can pass safely through here. There are numerous invisible energy barriers and traps that could hurt even you three." was his definite explanation.
He hastened his step through the corridor until Endou and others couldn't see him anymore. It was well over a minute when suddenly the torches on the right side wall lit up. A faint voice could be heard from across the corridor, signaling them to hurry and catch up. Once they've reached the end of the passage way, they couldn't believe their eyes. A white-purple energy barrier was right in front of them... it was lord Shingo's prison.
"Finally, after so long... we'll free our master." Endou said with enthusiasm.
Back on the surface the Guardians tried to stop Gohan with their chains again, but the boy wasn't falling for that again. He evaded their attempts and shot a barrage of energy blasts at them, causing huge explosions and shockwaves. The rocks and dust engulfed the location where the Guardians once stood. As it disappeared, Gohan could see their magic dust starting to reform again.
What are these things? he wondered while watching the Guardians regenerate.
Upon reassembling their bodies, they surrounded Gohan and began firing blue energy bolts at him but the boy was too fast and flew high in to the air, evading every shot.
Endou and the others almost lost their balance when the Guardians' energy bolts exploded upon reaching the ground.
"Gohan must be in a hell of a battle." Kyuuri wondered.
"He won't last long if the Guardians merge." the Kaioshin said.
"What?" Endou was shocked.
"I don't have time to explain. Give me the Staff, quickly." the Kaioshin demanded.
"This better work." Endou hesitated but eventually handed the Staff over.
"Me too."
A white aura appeared around the Kaioshin and the Staff started glowing in its distinct purple color. He started chanting words in a foreign tongue, native to the Kaioshins which Endou couldn't understand.
The Guardians knew they were in a stalemate and that the intruders must be stopped as quickly as possible, so they transformed into the magic dust and merged together, forming a single Guardian which was no different in appearance.
"I've had it with your magic. I'm ending this NOW!" Gohan shouted to the only Guardian.
He started charging his Kamehameha while his opponent started walking towards him.
"meeee... haaaaaa... meeeee." the boy continued chanting.
The Guardian suddenly rushed to him but it was too late.
"HAAAAAA!" he screamed.
An immense Kamehameha wave crashed into the Guardian, instantly creating a crater beneath it and shattering the ground. As Gohan transferred most of his power into this attack, he noticed that his opponent has erected a shield around itself, trying to push through the Kamehameha.
The Kaioshin took a few steps closer until his eyes started glowing white and slammed the Staff into the white-purple energy field, causing a blinding bright flash. They all covered their eyes but when they regained their vision... there he was... lord Shingo in all his glory. Exhausted and weak because of the energy barrier which sapped his power for hundreds if not thousands of years.
"Master... you're finally free." Endou greeted him while on her knees.
"It's nice seeing you, Endou. How did you..."
"I'm afraid we don't have much time, my lord. We need to get you back to the fortress before the Kaioshins intervene. Kyuuri, summon the portal, quickly!" Endou interrupted her lord.
Like ordered, Kyuuri waved her arm and transported the portal from behind the ridge to here. Koshi helped Shingo get through it and Kyuuri followed but noticed that Endou was not leaving.
"Endou-sama, we must go... now." she shouted.
"I'll be there shortly... just need to take care of something."
"Kaioshin-sama, please come." Kyuuri invited him.
"I'll come with Endou." he refused.
When they returned to the surface, Gohan was already in a beam struggle with the combined Guardians.
"His power is unreal, but the Guardians won't give up" the Kaioshin stated the already known fact while covering his face as rocks and debris were flying all over the place.
"The boy has really outdone himself... but it's time I keep my end of the deal."
Endou raised her Staff and the purple-red substance, that gave Gohan this incredible power up, started coming from his wounds and forming into a sphere in Endou's left palm. The boy's unimaginable power slowly dropped, making the Kamehameha weaker and weaker.
"Ugh... what's happening? My strength..." Gohan said to himself.
Gohan couldn't stand a chance now... the Guardian smashed through his Kamehameha and slammed the young half-breed into the ground with an immense force, breaking a couple of his upper left ribs and left arm, making him cough out blood.
"It's over. Goodbye, Gohan." Endou said, freeing him from her control and escaping down the stairs with the Kaioshin; entering the portal and disappearing.
The half-breed wanted to follow Endou but his movement was stopped by the Guardian's chains.
"No... NO! Let me go! he screamed, trying to break free.
His eyes changed from purple to green, meaning Endou has indeed stopped controlling him. As soon as the Guardian sensed Gohan's dark power had vanished, it split back into multiple ones. Four were keeping Gohan in chains and a few others followed Endou, but it was too late; the portal had already closed.
"Noooo... NOOOOOO!" Gohan screamed and powered up in anger, but only making the chains grip him tighter and injuring him even further. He felt exhausted and weaker by the second, so he transformed to normal. His body was in a bad shape and his vision started getting blurry. He remembered everything from the first second he was enslaved by Endou; just what she wanted.
The only thought that came to his mind was: I-I killed all those Wanasans.
Because of the exhaustion and injuries, he finally lost consciousness.
1 - I just made up a name for the planet where lord Shingo is being imprisoned :)
Notes: I wanted to have a certain flow at the very end, but it was difficult to write this chapter because of the reasons explained at the beginning. I struggled with the ending when Endou strips Gohan of his power up and frees him from her control. I purposely didn't describe Shingo because I want to keep it a secret... for now :P. The Kaioshin does have a name, but it will be revealed a bit later.
Like always, feel free to leave a review; they help me improve my writing :).